DARREN HILL
FOR RE-ELECTION
As I seek re-election, I acknowledge that Ward 1 and Saskatoon are located on Treaty 6 territory, the traditional lands of the Cree, Dakota, Dene, Lakota, Nakota, and Saulteaux, and the homeland of the Métis Nation. I am dedicated to ensuring that the spirit of Reconciliation is honoured and respected, and I commit myself to the struggle against the systems of oppression that have dispossessed Indigenous people of their lands and denied their rights to self-determination.
PRIORITIES FOR WARD 1
HOMELESSNESS
Saskatoon desperately needs shelter beds and warm-up facilities so that people won't freeze to death this winter.
BETTER BUDGETING
The budget process is currently led by the administration presenting their suggested figures, and the Council begins working from those numbers. This is not the proper way to budget. City Council should set a budget figure that the administration needs to work within, and then the council can adjust each operating line or add special projects if they wish.
COMMUNITY SAFETY
Every citizen should feel safe no matter who they are or where they are. Many of you do not. Personally, I will not visit certain areas of Saskatoon during certain hours. I also tire of my nightly routine including ensuring that my garden shed, vehicles, and yard gates are all locked.
More must be done for community safety city-wide.
INFRASTRUCTURE
The city needs to prioritize investment in our infrastructure, ensuring roadways, sidewalks, and active transportation options are safe, accessible, and well-maintained. By prioritizing these essential services, we can improve mobility, reduce congestion, and create a more connected community that supports all forms of transportation.
DEED: DOWNTOWN EVENT AND ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT
The proposed strategy suggests no financial impact on property tax. However, it does not guarantee that.
RESIDING IN AND SERVING WARD 1
It has been a privilege to serve the citizens of Saskatoon for the past 18 years, and I am honoured to run once again for Saskatoon City Council in Ward 1 on November 13th.
I will be forever grateful for your patience and understanding during the last term when my family went through a difficult and dark time. Thank you to the many residents who reached out after the sudden loss of our youngest son, Ethan. I appreciate your patience as I struggled through that. That experience has strengthened my resiliency and made me more aware that anybody can be going through unseen struggles. I carefully consider that when approaching every situation this job presents.
I am eager to continue to be a strong voice on City Council for the citizens of Saskatoon. Your needs and concerns are my top priority, and I am committed to ensuring that we continue to move the city forward while protecting the needs of our most vulnerable citizens.
My vision for Saskatoon continues to be one of thoughtful planning, managed growth, economically sustainable projects, and fostering the economy through the promotion of enterprise while ensuring the safety of all citizens.
These are challenging times in Saskatoon, and a new mayor and a minimum of five new city councillors will face them. I will use my experience to do everything possible to help the new council address the homelessness crisis, keep all communities safe, and ensure that the City Council and the administration are transparent and accountable for all decisions. I will continue to push for a 2025 property tax increase that reflects the rate of inflation while ensuring all essential services remain a priority. It would be an honour to continue to work with you and for you through these challenging times.
I am deeply grateful for your ongoing support and trust. Thank you for considering my request for support on November 13, 2024.
